National Council of Higher Education locked in scandals

The officials in charge of  governing the National Council of Higher Education (UNCHE) are locked up in fights resulting from money that is generated within the council.

As you read this, Prof. Apuda Asibo who has been chairperson of this council for the last five years was covered to resign under mysterious reasons. The position of the chairperson is vacant.

This website learnt that Prof. Asibo applied for the next five years but could not be allowed. The Education Service Commission reportedly fronted the current Chairperson Mary Ekwakor, but the president was not convinced. In other words, Mary Ekwakor was rejected.

This website overheard from corridors that Prof. Badru Kateregga of Kampala was suggested and many believe can be the best choice.

The National Council of Higher Education, has been accused of corruption at worst levels. Officials reportedly ask for money to accredit universities and tertiary institutions.

This is why some universities that lack facilities are accredited. Examples include universities that offer Oil & Gas Engineering; Human Medicine etc

There is also political interference. Examples include Busoga University when it was questioned The Right honourable Speaker Rebecca Kadaga interfered yet it lacked facilities. The second example is Kabale University whereby Tumusiime Mutebire and Prof. Kanyeihamba interfered yet it was not qualified.

These reasons and infighting have left the council in quandary.

Functions of the National Council  of Higher Education under the, Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions Act, 2001

a)  To implement the objects of this Act;

b)   To promote and develop the processing and dissemination of information on Higher Education for the benefit of the people.

c)    To advise the Minister on the establishment and accreditation of public and private institutions of Higher Education.

d)  To receive, consider and process applications for the establishment and accreditation of public and private institutions of Higher Education and the accreditation of the academic and professional programmes of those institutions in consultation with Professional Associations and Regulatory Bodies

e) To register all institutions of Higher Education established under this Act.

f)  To receive and investigate complaints relating to institutions of Higher Education and take appropriate action.

g)  To monitor, evaluate and regulate institutions of Higher Learning;

h)  In co-operation with the relevant government departments, private sector, or the different institutions of Higher Education, to evaluate the overall national manpower requirement and recommend solutions to the requirements.

i)  To ensure minimum standards for courses of study and equating of degrees, diplomas and certificates awarded by the different public and private institutions of Higher Education.

j) To set and co-ordinate national standards for admission of students to the different institutions of Higher Education.

(ja) to require and ensure that all universities, whether private or public , adhere to minimum criteria set by the National  Council for admission to under-graduate and higher degree programmes.

k) To determine the equivalence of all types of academic and professional qualifications of degrees, diplomas and certificates obtained elsewhere with those awarded by Uganda institutions of Higher Education for recognition in Uganda.

l) To certify that an institution of Higher Education has adequate and accessible physical structures and staff for the courses to be offered by it.

m)  To promote national interests in courses of study and professional qualifications among the different types of institutions of Higher Education.

n)  To ensure the institutions of Higher Education provide that adequate facilities and opportunities for career guidance and counselling.

k)  To collect, examine and publish information relating to the different institutions of Higher Education.

l) To generally advise the government on policy and other matters relating to institutions of Higher Education.

m)    To perform any other function incidental to the objects of this Act or relating to Higher Education in Uganda or that may be conferred upon it by the Minister or any other law.

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